Candace Owens Stands Up for Caitlin Clark After Megyn Kelly’s Surprising Claims
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Candace Owens Stands Up for Caitlin Clark After Megyn Kelly’s Surprising Claims
June 2025
Caitlin Clark’s meteoric rise from college basketball sensation to WNBA superstar has been nothing short of historic. At just 22, she has not only transformed the Indiana Fever’s fortunes but also reignited national interest in women’s basketball. Her electrifying play, record-breaking performances, and headline-grabbing moments have made her a household name. Yet, as her profile grows, so too does the scrutiny. Clark’s recent interview with Time magazine—where she was named Athlete of the Year—has triggered a media firestorm, exposing deep divisions about race, recognition, and authenticity in the world of sports.
A Moment of Recognition—and Controversy
Being named Time’s Athlete of the Year is a prestigious honor, especially for someone so early in her professional career. But instead of simply celebrating Clark’s achievement, the spotlight quickly shifted to comments she made during the interview. Clark candidly acknowledged the privilege that comes with being a white athlete in a league built on the talents of Black women, stating, “I want to say I’ve earned every single thing, but as a white person, there’s a privilege. And a lot of those players in the league who have been really good have been Black players—this league has kind of been built on them.”
Her remarks, intended as a gesture of humility and respect, sparked intense debate. Some lauded her for confronting issues of racial inequality that have long been present in sports and society. Others, however, accused her of caving to cultural pressure and sacrificing her authenticity.
The Media Pile-On: Megyn Kelly’s Critique
Among the most vocal critics was media personality Megyn Kelly, who took aim at both Clark’s comments and the media’s obsession with her. Kelly argued that Clark’s acknowledgment of privilege amounted to unnecessary self-flagellation, suggesting that Clark’s remarks were an attempt to placate what she called the “woke mob.” Kelly’s commentary went further, claiming that Clark’s apology for her whiteness was both insincere and condescending to Black players who had built the league’s foundation.
Kelly’s critique reflected a broader frustration among some commentators, who feel that Clark is being forced into a political role she never sought. According to Kelly, “If she really just wants the spotlight to be on the deserving Black players who surround her and on whose backs this league was built, then she shouldn’t have taken the honor. You can’t have it both ways.”
Candace Owens: A Surprising Defender
In a twist that surprised many, conservative commentator Candace Owens came to Clark’s defense. Owens, who has often criticized what she sees as excessive political correctness in sports, took a more empathetic stance. “She’s 22 years old. I don’t know a single commentator out there—Megyn Kelly included—who didn’t at some point throughout their career have the wrong perspectives. For whatever reason, we’ve decided Caitlin’s not allowed that time to grow. She’s not allowed time to change. She’s got to be a perfect candidate and stand up to the entire mob. This girl is literally being bullied—physically bullied—on the court, and we know the basis of that is quite racist. I think she just wants to survive.”
Owens’s defense of Clark highlighted the unique pressures faced by young athletes thrust into the cultural spotlight. Clark’s rapid ascent has made it easy to forget that she is still at the beginning of her journey, learning to navigate a world where every word and gesture is dissected and politicized.
The Sports World Responds: Focus on the Game
While the culture war raged, several prominent voices in the sports world urged fans and commentators alike to focus on what makes Clark remarkable: her basketball talent. Dave Portnoy, founder of Barstool Sports, dismissed the idea that Clark’s popularity was rooted in her race. “Anybody who has actually watched women’s basketball or watched Caitlin knows she plays totally different than any woman before her. Her unprecedented level of play is what truly sets her apart.”
Portnoy also criticized those using Clark as a symbol for their own agendas, arguing that her comments were less about politics and more about surviving—and thriving—in a league that is predominantly African-American. “She wants to show up at work and not have people hate her. She wants the league to be successful. The more successful, the more stars—the better it is for everyone.”
Legendary sports broadcaster Dan Patrick echoed this sentiment, reminding audiences to appreciate greatness when it appears. “Caitlin Clark changed the WNBA, that’s it. It’s okay to say that. You’re not diminishing what the founding mothers of the WNBA did. She’s the Time Person of the Year. Just acknowledge it.”
A League Divided: Respect, Recognition, and Race
Clark’s interview and the subsequent controversy have exposed long-standing tensions within the WNBA. Some players and league veterans have expressed frustration at the outsized attention Clark receives, arguing that it overshadows the contributions of Black athletes who have carried the league for decades. Sheila Johnson, owner of the Washington Mystics, questioned why Time didn’t feature the entire WNBA as “League of the Year,” arguing that singling out one player creates hard feelings and stirs up issues of racism.
Yet others, such as analyst Jim Jackson, pushed back on this narrative, insisting that Clark’s impact is undeniable. “The whole WNBA benefited this year from the viewership increase because of the excitement between Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark. But from a pure marketing perspective, Caitlin Clark was it.”
The debate is not just about Clark, but about how the league—and society—navigates questions of race, recognition, and representation. Clark herself has tried to steer clear of divisive debates, focusing on basketball and her desire to see the league succeed.
Changing Perspectives: From Criticism to Praise
Interestingly, some of Clark’s harshest critics have begun to shift their tone. L Duncan, an ESPN commentator who was previously critical of Clark during the controversy over physical play in the WNBA, has recently praised Clark’s achievements and cultural relevance. “It’s so well-deserved by Caitlin Clark. Time magazine’s Athlete of the Year isn’t just about popularity. It’s about being part of conversations, shaping cultural relevancy. No matter how you feel about Caitlin or the rest of the league, she’s changed the discourse.”
This shift reflects the broader impact Clark has had—not just on the court, but in the way people talk about women’s sports. Her performances have forced even her skeptics to acknowledge her transformational influence.
The Double-Edged Sword of Fame
Clark’s rise has not been without cost. The immense attention she commands has made her a lightning rod for controversy, drawing her into debates she never intended to join. She has faced physical play on the court, relentless media scrutiny, and the challenge of representing herself authentically amid competing expectations.
Yet, as commentator Sarah Haynes noted, Clark has handled these pressures with remarkable grace. “She’s always saddled with these issues that she doesn’t have herself. They pitted Angel Reese against her and it always came down to race. But Clark said, ‘I earned everything I got.’ Her stats speak for themselves. She broke records that were 50 years old.”
The Broader Impact: Opportunity for All
Despite the controversy, many believe that Clark’s success is good for the league as a whole. Former NBA star Gilbert Arenas encouraged players to see Clark’s fame as an opportunity. “It’s good for the W because it keeps putting a light on the sport for everybody else to eat. The more walls get knocked down, there’s more opportunity for everyone.”
Arenas’s perspective is a reminder that Clark’s rise does not diminish the achievements of others. Instead, it creates new possibilities for recognition, investment, and growth across the league.
The Path Forward: Celebrating Greatness
As the debate continues, one thing is clear: Caitlin Clark is a generational talent whose influence extends far beyond the basketball court. She has brought unprecedented attention to the WNBA, inspired a new generation of fans, and sparked conversations that will shape the league for years to come.
Her willingness to engage with difficult topics—while remaining focused on her love for the game—has earned her both admiration and criticism. But as the dust settles, perhaps it is time to heed the advice of voices like Dan Patrick and simply appreciate greatness for what it is.
Caitlin Clark didn’t ask to be a symbol. She asked to play basketball. And in doing so, she has changed the game—on her own terms.
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